The charming county town of western Vermont’s Addison County, Middlebury is a wonderful destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors, or to take a course at the famed Middlebury College. Just 45 minutes from Burlington, the town is also popular with city-dwellers keen to escape to the countryside. Accommodation options in the town itself range from self-catering spots to charming heritage inns, with space for families and groups, as well as couples. Our pick of the best places to stay in Middlebury includes one central inn dating back to 1827, as well as a tranquil haven closer to the outskirts of town, ideal for travellers eager to immerse themselves in nature.
Explore Middlebury on foot to admire beautiful white marble buildings, pop into historic shops, inns and eateries, and catch a theatre show or visit an independent art gallery. The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History and the Vermont Folklife Centre are highlights, as are the area’s breweries, vineyards and distilleries — Lincoln Peak Vineyard and Stonecutter Spirits included. The other main attraction is Middlebury College, one of the oldest liberal colleges in the United States. Founded in 1800, it has become well-known for its lively summer foreign language courses. The College’s Bread Loaf School of English also hosts acclaimed six-week writing courses, attended by students from around the world.
High in the surrounding hills is the Green Mountain National Forest, which abounds with great hikes and wildlife-spotting opportunities. The Robert Frost Farm — once the home of the poet, who was closely associated with the Bread Loaf School — sits between the town and the forest, and is a picturesque place for a picnic. The Otter Creek Falls are a gorgeous spot to visit, too.
Whether you’re in town for a language course or a hiking holiday, the best places to stay in Middlebury offer a warm, welcoming base for an adventure!